The benefits of professional therapeutic group support are three fold:

 

1. Amanda is a chronic illness expert. One thing she has learned from patients over the years, is that explaining their condition to a well-intentioned but inexpert therapist is exhausting. Instead of taking the time to explain to a therapist what it is and how it affects every aspect of your life, Amanda has years of expertise. 

2. Other people in group are also experts of a different sort- they are living with it. This wisdom of others will not be underestimated. 

3. Altruistic benefit: You gain mental health benefit when you turn your attention outward, and offer help to someone else. Research on altruism is conclusive: engaging in helping behaviors contributes to overall better health and well-being. 

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​​Coming together in a safe space where we are seen and supported is the best way to become our best selves. Every group Amanda has had the pleasure of working with is incredibly special. When we come together we are free to be honest, and find relief. Carrying the burden of MS, chronic illness, and disability are real. We sometimes shield our closest loved ones from the full reality of the challenges we face and the pain we feel. Support groups can sometimes cause fear, be a bad experience, or leave you feeling worse than better. In these professional groups we have a special place to let our true selves breathe and we provide each other the supportive environment that we all need.

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If you love someone with a chronic illness or disability: 

1. Believe them

2. Don’t minimize their symptoms 

3. Understand their energy limits 

4. Offer help without judgement 

5. Be patient